Photoreceptor damage induced by low-intensity light: model of retinal degeneration in mammals

) in LL-exposed than in LD- or DD-exposed rats. However, for all times studied, rhodopsin was completely dephosphorylated after four days of DD treatment. Conclusions: Constant light exposure for seven days produces ONL reduction by photoreceptor cell death through a capase-3-independent mechanism. Increases in rhodopsin-phospho-Ser 334 levels were observed, supporting the notion that changes in the regulation of the phototransduction cascade occur during retinal degeneration.